procurar

Senses

1. 1.

   to look for; to search for

   to attempt to find or locate someone or something

2. 2.

   to seek; to try to obtain

   to make an effort to achieve or acquire something

3. 3.

   to visit; to go see

   to approach or visit a person for a specific purpose

4. 4.

   to appear; to seem

   to have a certain appearance or quality (more literary/formal)

Examples

• "Estou procurando minhas chaves."

  I am looking for my keys.

• "Ela procura um emprego melhor."

  She is seeking a better job.

• "Procure o médico assim que possível."

  Visit/see the doctor as soon as possible.

Usage

Procurar is a regular -ar verb and one of the most common verbs in Brazilian Portuguese. The reflexive form "procurar-se" is rarely used in modern PT-BR. Context determines whether it means "to search for" (object-oriented) or "to seek/attempt" (goal-oriented). It can also mean "to visit/consult" a professional, especially with "procurar um médico" (to see a doctor).